PFL: Fabricio Werdum wants to add to legacy with multiple titles and million-dollar cheques
- Former UFC heavyweight champ looks for redemption in PFL tournament format after falling in Strikeforce and Pride quarter-finals
- ‘I don’t go there just to fight. I want to be a champion … this is my big goal,’ says Werdum
Fabricio Werdum is determined to add to his legacy by winning the PFL heavyweight tournament – multiple times.
The 43-year-old Brazilian legend (24-9-1) became a free agent after a vintage win against Alexander Gustafsson by submission in July on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. He decided to weigh his options and tested the market in the wake of not signing an extension with the UFC.
After negotiations seemingly fell apart with Bellator, Werdum signed an exclusive contract with the Professional Fighters League and he credits his manager Ali Abdelaziz and PFL president Ray Sefo for getting the deal done.
“For me, Ali is the best manager ever now,” Werdum told SCMP MMA. “He had a good negotiation with the PFL. I respect Ray Sefo a lot. Before when I fought in Pride in Japan, I see him fight in K1. He’s an amazing fighter, I love him.
“I saw the respect PFL have for fighters. This is very important to us. When the event has a big respect, you want to show that. You want to prepare your body to give a show, too.”
The former UFC heavyweight champion is not foreign to the tournament format – Werdum competed in the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix in 2011 and the 2006 openweight grand prix under the Pride banner.